Lothrop is retiring as Whitsett Chair this semester and will be presented the Italian government's "Award of Merit" by Massimo Roscigno the Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles for her contributions to the Italian American community, philanthropic efforts and academic service.

The ceremony will take place at the history department's annual awards luncheon at 3 p.m. in the Whitsett Room in Sierra Hall on the southwest side of the campus off West University Drive.

"Lothrop's multitude of friends and admirers here at CSUN have so relished the experience of knowing and working with this eminent professional who has set such high standards of principle and achievement for all who follow. She will leave us with glorious memories," said Charles Macune, history department chair, upon announcing Lothrop's status of professor emeritus of history.

As part of their annual awards luncheon, the history department gives out student scholarships and this year will see the addition of the Ricci-Lothrop Scholarship to assist returning students with dependent children as they work towards their degree. Lothrop established the fund in memory of her mother, who was a single parent.

"I have the greatest admiration for returning students and the way they balance their schedules and achieve academic excellence," said Lothrop.

Lothrop joined the CSUN faculty in 1994 as the first endowed history chair in the California State University system. The respected historian has been recognized with many awards including being named Fellow of the California Historical Society and receiving the history medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Lothrop has actively served the community and the university by organizing conferences, establishing historical exhibits and serving on many boards. She inaugurated CSUN's student field research projects and is a widely published author and editor of books and articles.

Although she is leaving academic life, Lothrop said that she departs CSUN with the warmest of memories and many great friends, both faculty and student alike. Lothrop said that she will greatly miss teaching, but her life as a professional historian will continue. She has two books in progress, one on Italian Americans in the West and an anthology of the women of Los Angeles.